Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify the rules and regulations surrounding the use of recess detention in schools within Minnesota. It aims to promote healthier disciplinary practices and ensure students' rights to breaks during the school day.

Main Provisions

• Definition of Recess Detention: Recess detention involves excluding or delaying a student from participating in their scheduled recess as a form of discipline for behavior issues. It does not include alternative recess options chosen by the student.

• Restrictions on Use:

  • Schools can only use recess detention if a student is causing or likely to cause serious harm to others.
  • A student's parent or guardian must be informed timely about the use of recess detention.
  • For special education students, withholding recess must be deemed appropriate by the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) team.

• Prohibition on Academic Ground: Schools are prohibited from using recess detention as a consequence for incomplete schoolwork unless an academic intervention occurs during the missed recess time.

• Parental Notification: Schools must reasonably attempt to notify a student's parent or guardian within 24 hours if recess detention is used.

• Data Collection and Transparency: At the end of each school year, schools must compile data on recess detentions, including student demographics, and make this information available to the public upon request. This data is encouraged to be used for professional development to promote non-exclusionary discipline practices.

• Mealtime Protection: Schools are not allowed to withhold or significantly delay student participation in scheduled mealtimes.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces stricter limitations on when and how recess detention can be used.
• It mandates the compilation and public availability of data on recess detentions to encourage transparency and non-exclusionary discipline methods.
• It requires schools to engage in timely communication with parents about disciplinary actions.

Relevant Terms

recess detention, exclusionary discipline, non-exclusionary discipline, special education, Individualized Education Program (IEP), academic intervention, parental notification, structured breaks, data transparency.